Winners of this year’s Woman of the Year awards from the Central Coast’s state electorates have been announced.
The Local Woman of the Year Awards is an annual program which recognises and celebrates the support women give to their local communities throughout NSW.
A woman most deserving of the honour this year has been chosen in each of the Coast’s five electorates.
Kylie Cassidy is woman of the Year for the Gosford electorate.
She was instrumental in the establishment of The Glen for Women, the region’s Aboriginal community controlled drug rehabilitation centre.
Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said Cassidy worked tirelessly with The Glen’s board of directors and the community to successfully open The Glen for Women in April 2022.
“The Glen for Women has now successfully offered a home for women from all over Australia who are seeking recovery from addiction,” she said.
“Many of these women have gone on to complete The Glen for Women program and return back to their families and communities.”
Cassidy is a proud Wiradjuri woman who grew up on the Central Coast, a local mother and a renowned Indigenous artist from Woy Woy.
Her artwork has been recognised and was used by the Sydney Roosters for their 2020 Indigenous Round jerseys.
Jan Sillato from MacMasters Beach was named Terrigal Woman of the Year in recognition of the significant support she has provided the Terrigal community.
Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said Sillato has provided more than 30 years of community service to the region.
“Starting at MacMasters Beach Bush Brigade in 1994, Jan has also been a volunteer with Kincumber P&C and Kincumber High School as Student Admin Officer,” he said.
“Just recently Jan was awarded life membership at MacMasters Beach Surf Club for her amazing contribution over the past 20 plus years.
“Jan leads by example and provides inspirational encouragement and support for students, Nippers and seniors during training and competitions through the Surf Club.”
San Remo’s Oana McBride was named Swansea Local Woman of the Year for 2023.
Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley said McBride had been an advocate for palliative care for more than 12 years, following the death of a good friend.
“Despite working as a physio and nurse at the Royal North Shore Hospital, Oana left to dedicate her time and efforts towards establishing a palliative care unit at Gosford Hospital by lobbying lawyers and other relevant stakeholders,” Catley said.
“She also collaborated with Lions Clubs across the Central Coast to raise funding and presented a 10,000-signature petition to the NSW Minister for Health in 2019, calling for a palliative care unit to be installed at the hospital.
“Oana’s consistent efforts paid off, as Elsie’s Dream Palliative Care Unit opened at Gosford Hospital in 2020.
“Over the past couple of years, the unit has thrived and made a major difference to the end-of-life care of many patients.
“Despite enduring her own battle with Bechet Disease, Oana continues to advocate for the creation of more palliative care services on the Central Coast, including at Wyong Hospital.”
Woman of the Year for The Entrance electorate is Te’re Melrose (popularly known as TJ).
Member for The Entrance David Mehan said Melrose had been recognised for her tremendous efforts as the creator and driving force behind the not-for-profit organisation Doggie Dates NSW.
“Ms Melrose established the organisation in 2015 (and it) reaches a diverse range of participants including retirees, young people, families and people with physical and or mental health challenges,” Mehan said.
“Her goal is to connect the community through regional-based dog walking groups.
“The organisation currently has six regional groups, one of which is on the Central Coast.
“Ms Melrose has designed these groups to be safe and to help foster inclusiveness, socialisation and friendships; as well as providing education in responsible dog ownership.
“She also volunteers with Paws Pet Therapy and regularly visits organisations such as aged care facilities and groups supporting children and young people with special needs and those who have experienced trauma.
“I was delighted to attend a recent Doggie Dates event with my dog Gruff and present Ms Melrose with her certificate.
“This group is much more than just a dog walking group; the benefits to individual health and wellbeing are evident with the growing popularity of Doggie Dates on the Central Coast.
Sara Evans has been named the 2023 Woman of the Year for the Wyong electorate.
Member for Wyong David Harris said Evans has an amazing record of organising community events to support charities and important causes.
“These efforts include raising money for Save Sight Institute, drought relief and Camp Breakaway to name a few,” he said.
“Sara is well known for her exceptional fund-raiser activities and is able to bring many groups and businesses together to support good causes.
“Our Central Coast for Farmers Drought Relief gathered Coasties together and provided much needed supplies to the remote NSW town of Packsaddle.
“Sara also swam 12 hours at Mingara pool to raise money for Save Sight Foundation and worked as the Community Engagement Co-ordinator for Camp Breakaway organising balls and events to support the organisation.
“Sara has faced personal hardships but has retained her passion for good causes; a remarkable Woman.”
The women were celebrated at the official 2023 NSW Women of the Year Awards ceremony in Sydney recently.
Terry Collins